As I read through all of my On The Media posts, I realized that I probably had somewhat of an AAR (Automatic Attitudinal Response) to a majority of the subjects that I discussed. Some of my opinions changed, as I listened to the segments, and some of them didn't. For example...
OTM 1 was about Donald Trump. I remember thinking, oh great... what has he done this time? Donald Trump scares me a little bit, and that's a big deal coming from a girl who doesn't get scared by much. As I listened to the article, my opinion of this man did not change, in fact, it was probably validated a little bit. The only surprising part about the Donald Trump story, was that he brought the reporter back into the room after, and let him speak.
OTM 2 was the story of the Syrian boy, Aylan Kurdi. My AAR to this story was heartache... as the broadcast went on, the heartache only increased for this poor boy, and made a shift to sympathy for everyone involved in the migration crisis.
OTM 3 was about the 9/11 Memorial. I'm not going to lie... I think that when I first started listening to this, there was a voice in the back of my head that questioned if the 9/11 memorial was a capitalization scheme. All I could think about is the fact that someone is probably making money off of it... but as I listened on, I realized that it was so much more. I truly believe that the memorial will help bring closure to the families of the victims. I also feel that it's an important monument to help society remember the events that occurred that day.
OTM 4 was about Exxon's denial of Global Climate Change. Ironically enough, I think that my AAR to this segment, was that I didn't care, really. I say that this is ironic, because in my post I say that people care, and the people who don't care just really don't know much about it. I definitely had a change of heart as I listened to this segment.
OTM 5 was about Darkode. I actually am not sure that I had an AAR to this one... The only experience that I've really had with hackers, is when a friend's facebook or twitter account gets hacked, and spam's out tweets or status's, or tags me in dumb pictures. I've never clicked on one of them, and I've never been hacked. I was really neutral to this topic, I mean I know it's wrong, and it sucks, but upon hearing what the segment was about, I really didn't have any overwhelming thoughts.
OTM 6 was about the life experience's of the Justices. I was pretty neutral to this one as well... I do remember that this particular week, most of the segments were about the Justices, and my initial thought was, oh great... what have they done now? I'm still not sure...
OTM 7 was about Playboy, and I DEFINITELY had an AAR to this one. A super, super strong one... Playboy disgusts me, and the otm segment just validated that. I stand by what I said... my opinion of their announcement is that at least it's better than nothing.
As I re-assessed my writing, I realized that I do have Automatic Attitudinal Responses to certain issues, but I do think that I went in to researching each of these events with somewhat of an open mind. (Aside from the Playboy one.) I've also noticed that the discussions that we have in class have opened my mind more. My opinions on certain subjects have shifted, and I think that this is not only because of the critical thinking that I've been doing as I research these events, but the facts, and knowledge that I've been gaining about the subjects that we have discussed as a class.
This class, and my OTM research has helped me to realize that my opinions are changeable, and research, and discussion is what has helped make those changes. I've gained a greater understanding for the importance of individual research. I feel as though in the past, I've really just taken my dad's opinion as gospel, because I trust him, but I've realized that just because I value his opinion, and trust his knowledge, doesn't mean that I have to have the same opinions.
When we first started this assignment, I dreaded it a little bit. Listening to the News, and researching current events were one of my least favorite things to do, but the OTM assignment has helped me to realize that it's sort of necessary. It's really important to search the facts out yourself, so that you can better form an informed opinion.
Nicole, I enjoyed reading your assessment, and thought that your way of reviewing each OTM story, and your thoughts about it was quite helpful. What I've enjoyed about this class , and I'm in agreement with you on this, is that my thinking about an issue, and going over it has changed. While I still hold to some opinions, I don't have to say they're the only correct ones, and I know why I have the opinions I do.
ReplyDeleteRiley in response this, it is great to hear you say that you know why you have the opinions you do. I think that this is rare. It is also great that you can admit that you know that you may not always be correct. I think that this is key. It is not always easy to admit that we are not right on something. The great thing through is that we have the ability to change our opinions.
DeleteNicole, It was great to hear that you value your dad's opinion. I hope that as a parent that my kids also value my opinion. One thing that I have learned in life is that it is okay if your kids don't share your same opinion. Think of it this way. When you are faced with the choice of deciding whether or not you want chocolate or vanilla ice cream, you need to form your own opinion. Do the research! Try them both - find out for yourself! Even though your dad loves vanilla, and is going to try to convince you to do the same. Ultimately the choice is yours. He may try and persuade you however he can. But, if you like the chocolate - take the CHOCOLATE! You will be happier in the end!!! If you use this analogy on everything when trying to form an opinion, it will be your opinion.
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